Just under one week out Mock Draft

Mock Draft redo for one week out (Okay I missed it by a few minutes but give a guy a break)! Time to revise the previous mock draft to lead us up to next week. For my draft, I will go through my Should Pick and Will Pick scenarios. Additionally citing if there is a change from the previous draft. I will also outline a few projected trades.

Current attire to aid me in the draft: #80 Donald Driver

1.    Jaguars – Should Pick: Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson
Has there been an easier first overall pick to call since Andrew Luck? For whatever Trevor Lawrence is or will be, this has been a slam dunk the entire time. The reality is that he was a freshman phenomenon that kept it up and most cannot pull that off. He checks off almost all of the boxes that you want in a Quarterback on top of being something for fans to be excited about. No Change.
 
Will Pick: Same – No Change
 
2.    Jets – Should Pick: Mac Jones QB Alabama
I know he has skyrocketed up the boards and a month ago this might seem silly. But hear me out. There are only two QBs in this draft that can handle the pressures of the New York media and one of those two has been taken. Do I think that Jones will be a Superstar, nope. But I think will be very good in the NFL. The Jets cannot trade out of this spot because the 49ers might take Jones if they pass on him. Trading Darnold is still a head scratcher to me. – Previous Pick: Penei Sewell OT Oregon
 
Will Pick: Zach Wilson QB BYU
I do not see any way that they keep this spot and not go QB. Wilson is the clear number 2 in this draft and I personally think that there is a massive gap in front and behind him. No Change 
 
3.    49ers - Should Pick: Zach Wilson QB BYU
You do not give up three first round picks for anything but a QB. The 49ers made this move so I am going to stick with their logic here. I like Wilson a lot but like I said, he seems to be a bit spastic in the pocket. The size thing does not concern me as much because we have seen plenty of guys that are successful at his size. Additionally, if this is the scenario and all goes well, then Jimmy G starts this year and Wilson can add a little bit of weight to protect himself. No Change
 
Will Pick: Justin Fields QB Ohio State
In this scenario, Wilson is not available, so they do that silly thing and go with Fields. Man, Fields has all the tools in the world, right? Watch him play and you can see those tools on display…as well as who he is targeting on the field. He bird-dogs wide receivers like crazy and that is not going to work in the NFL. It is correctible but it is a major risk. I am really having a hard time seeing Fields being successful in the NFL. No Change
 
4.    Falcons – Should Pick: Trade pick to a desperate New England! Falcons get 15^th overall pick in 2021, Patriots 1^st round pick in 2022 and 2023, Patriots 4^th round picks (120 and 122). New England drafts: Trey Lance QB North Dakota State – The Patriots have Cam Newton to be the stopgap for a year while Lance gets some experience. Lance’s tools are as good as any QB in this draft. If the team is patient with him for the first year, he could be great. Previous Pick: Same pick but different team
 
Will Pick: Kyle Pitts TE Florida – I am not a fan of this pick. Pitts needs to stop reading his own press clippings and understand that the NFL is going to have significantly better defensive backs that will slow him down. When you know a guy is not going to be blocking you change the way you defend him. Previous Pick: Penei Sewell OT Oregon
 
5.    Bengals – Should Pick: Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama
I still like this pick here where they secure a solid CB. The Bengals have been struggling to truly find that type of CB in the first round and they have their shot here. Jaycee Horn has moved up the board to me and Caleb Farley’s back has moved him down. The real divide here is that Surtain has been consistent and faced stronger competition (especially in practice!). No Change
 
Will Pick: Broncos trade up (Bengals get picks 9, 40, and 191. Broncos get Picks 5 and 69) Broncos Draft: Mac Jones QB Alabama
In a bold move the Broncos jump up and grab the anti-Drew Lock. Unlike Lock, they know what they are going to get with Jones on a weekly basis and they know that Jones will step up in big games. Previous Pick: Kyle Pitts TE Florida
 
6.    Dolphins – Should Pick: Micah Parsons LB Penn State
Parsons is a rare player in skill and versatility. He will be the Quarterback of this defense for years to come. I know there are the off the field issues that just came out but signs are pointing to him not being involved. However, that also means that he is going to get knocked down a little and that is a shame. To me, he is what Trevor Lawrence is to QB in this draft. No Change
 
Will Pick: DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
Admittedly, I would shy away from Smith because of his weight and build. I heard a great argument that Marvin Harrison was roughly the same size coming out of college and did not put on a ton more weight. However, the other side of this is that knowing that he was not going to work out at his pro day and just weigh in, he still did not manage to get above 169 pounds (dear lord, just drink some milk and eat some dagwood sandwiches for a week) concerns me. Beyond that, Harrison did not look rail thin. Still, it is tough to argue against his production. In the end, I am not sure that this is the best pick but it should be a good pick. Previous Pick: Micah Parsons LB Penn State
 
7.    Lions – Should Pick: Ja’Marr Chase WR LSU
As I have said before, we have been spoiled in years past with Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Julio Jones, et cetera and Chase is not on the same level. However, he is likely the safest WR in this draft and the Lions need safe. Any way you slice it, the Lions need to give Goff some targets. No Change
 
Will Pick: Same – No Change
 
8.    Panthers – Should Pick: Penei Sewell OT Oregon
If we jumped back to the last mock draft, the Panthers have essentially become the Jets in the Should Pick Scenario. Giving up peanuts to get Darnold, keeping this pick, and getting Sewell is a steal. With that said, Sewell is not like the other top tackles that we have seen in the past like Joe Thomas or Orlando Pace. But he is a major upgrade for the Panthers. I just have a feeling we will look back at this draft and really give kudos to how shrewd the Panthers were.
 
Will Pick: Same – Why mess with a good thing. Previous Pick: Trey Lance QB North Dakota State
 
9.    Broncos – Should Pick: Christian Darrisaw T Virginia Tech
Put me on the Darrisaw train now as I like him better than Slater. Nothing wrong with Slater, I think he will be a good pick, but Darrisaw is a monster. He may turn out to be the best OT in this draft. The Broncos need to protect Lock in order to see if he truly is a bust or not. They can sneak in a developmental QB later in the draft.
 
Bengal’s Pick in Will scenario and they Pick: Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama
The Bengals drop down, pick up some extra draft capital and now have two 2^nd round picks to continue to fill out the roster. They will get some OL that are near 1^st round talents in the second round and pick up a lasting presence in the secondary here. Previous Pick: Rashwan Slater OT Northwestern to Broncos
 
10.  Cowboys – Should Pick: Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina
The upside of Caleb Farley is immense but the Cowboys cannot afford to take a chanve so they throw caution to the wind. The Cowboys need a CB bad and the issue is that Farley needs another back surgery. He should be ready for the start of the season but you just need to wonder about his durability over time. Horn is a safer bet right now and should be a good starter for a long time in the NFL—ultimately, that is what matters the most in this situation. No Change
 
Will Pick: Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
I am a little less scared of drafting Farley than the last time around so this is not a bad pick, just a risky one. No Change
 
11.  Giants – Should Pick: Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern
This really should be a no lose situation. If Slater plays tackle in the NFL, great, they have bookends. If he has to slide in, no problem, he is talented blocker who should be successful in the NFL at some position. Previous Pick – Kyle Pitts TE Florida
 
Will Pick: Jayson Oweh Edge Penn State
Despite everything I still feel that Mr. “No trade I do what I want” is going to make this pick. Gettleman just cannot help being so Gettleman so he makes the most Gettleman of Gettleman picks after Oweh had an outrageous pro day. I tried to find plays where I like Oweh and they did not exist. He is a major boom or bust and needs to go to the right situation and this is not the right situation. No Change
 
12.  Eagles –  Should Pick: Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama
I really like believe that Waddle is going to be a special player in the NFL. Maybe not in every situation but in this situation he will be. It is going to be interesting to see the comparisons ten years down the road between Waddle and Smith. In the end, we may be splitting hairs. Still I like Waddle’s long term better than Smith’s. Previous Pick: Asante Samuel Jr. CB Florida State
 
Will Pick: Same – Eagles steal the first round with all the draft capital they earned and a dynamic player.
No Change – Why would you change this pick???
 
13.  Chargers Should Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker OT USC
Unfortunately, this time around Darrisaw is gone in this scenario. Fortunately, AVT is still there. Vera-Tucker appears to only be scratching the surface of how good he might be. The need is there with the Chargers and while there are good CBs on the board, the need for an OT is greater. Previous Pick: Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech
 
Will Pick: Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech
I truly believe that on draft day, Darrisaw is going to go ahead of Slater because he is definitely a LT whereas there are some question marks on Slater being an effective OT in the NFL. Previous Pick: Patrick Surtain II CB Alabama
 
14.  Vikings – Should Pick: Trevon Moehrig S TCU
The Offensive Tackle position has dried up a bit here so the Vikings change gears and get an incredibly talented Safety to go along with the aging Harrison Smith. Moehrig continues to ascend and play the deep ball while learning how to be saavy like Smith. Smith in-turn continues to play to his strengths and make the Vikings defense tough. The Vikings can nab an OT later. Previous Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker
 
Will Pick: Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern
The phones are ringing but the Vikings are not going to move when they are in dire need of an OT and there is a good one here. Much like the Giants in the Should scenario the Vikings need offensive line help so whether Slater stays at Tackle or ends up at Guard, they can use him. Previous Pick: Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech
 
15.  Patriots– Now the Falcons pick in Should scenario. Falcons pick: Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
With all the capital the Falcons have received to trade down they can afford to take a slight gamble on Farley. If he works out, this is the steal of the draft. If not, there is always the next two years (I know easier said than done). Still, I would tend to think that Farley will be good right away but may have long-term issues. Previous Pick: Mac Jones QB Alabama to Patriots
 
Will Pick: Trey Lance QB North Dakota State
Lance tumbles and the Patriots take advantage here. Lance is too talented to fall any further and this is a near ideal scenario for him. Patriots take their shot at going another 20 years with a great QB and did not give anything up to get him. Previous Pick: Mac Jones QB Alabama
 
16.  Cardinals– Should Pick: Greg Newsome II CB Northwestern
The Cardinals dip into the riches at top CBs in this draft and grab one of the remaining first round talents to make up for the loss and down season of Patrick Peterson. Newsome is not a full replacement but still a good player. Previous Pick: Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
 
Will Pick: Micah Parsons LB Penn State
The Cardinals look around and pinch themselves here. They start to question if there is something everybody else knows that they do not know as they slowly write their name down on the card. They turn it in and realize that it is real. They get a steal here. Previous Pick: Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina
 
17.  Raiders– Should Pick: Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma State
Jenkins is really more of the 1.5 tier Offensive Tackle in this draft but he is worthy of a first round pick and the Raiders need a strong presence at LT. I am a little split on Jenkins, overall he has been good but it feels like an elite trait is missing.
Previous Pick: Trevon Moehrig S TCU
 
Will Pick: Trevon Moehrig S TCU
They surprisingly make a good move here instead of the Mike Mayock, “Bet you did not think we were going to overdraft this guy” special. They need stability like Moehrig and he will be a defensive leader in a few years. No Change
 
18.  Dolphins– Should Pick: DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
Just keep piling on targets for Tua to throw to, especially one that he is so familiar with. While I think there is high risk with Smith, you may as well take your shot here.
Previous Pick: Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma State
 
Will Pick: Najee Harris RB Alabama
I have a feeling that Harris is going to be a surprise first round pick. Honestly, I would not hate this pick. I think Harris’ “lack of speed” is diversion from teams. He has had big breakaway runs in his career. I just have a strange feeling that the Dolphins go for their guy here after addressing LB with their first pick. This also helps to ease pressure off of Tua. No Change
 
Washington Football Team– Should Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame
The more I think about it, the more I think that this may be a perfect fit for JOK. He has big guys in front of him that will allow for him to play to his strengths. There is no denying that JOK has been a beast in college. I think the Washington Football Team is a good spot for him because they have a creative coaching staff and Rivera has worked well with guys like him. Previous Pick: Zaven Collins LB Tulsa
 
Will Pick: Same – JOK should be a great pick here. No Change
 
19.  Bears– Should Pick: Asante Samuel Jr. CB Florida State
With the release of Kyle Fuller there is a big hole at CB and Samuel should be an excellent feisty compliment to Jaylon Johnson
Previous Pick: DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
 
Will Pick: Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota
Pace is setting things up for him to go after a WR early and Bateman is compliment to what they have. Looking at the board, it is hard to agree with this pick but I have a bad feeling here. Previous Pick: DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
 
 
20.  Colts – Should Pick: Kwity Paye Edge Rusher Michigan
I am still not sure about Paye. I mean, it is all there but he needs to actually use it. He has freakish abilities and he wins a lot and is disruptive but he is still a little one-dimensional at this point. But I said the same thing about Rashan Gary. They are different players but it feels like a similar situation. He will need some very good coaching because he is a major boom-or-bust. No Change
 
Will Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker OT USC
There really is no reason for AVT to fall this far but here we are. The Colts need to replenish their line and AVT can be thrown into the fire at guard or tackle. This will turn out to be a really nice pick. Previous Pick: Kwity Paye Edge Rusher Michigan.
 
21.  Titans – Should Pick: Kyle Pitts TE Florida
Maybe some humble pie will hit Pitts in the face here and he will get his mind in the right place. The Titans need both a TE and receiver so Pitts will fill a role. I still am hesitant here because I just see so much of other players where they could not get their egos in check and it destroyed their careers. Still, worth the risk here. Previous Pick: Elijah Moore WR Mississippi
 
Will Pick: Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina
What a gift for the Titans here, the sit back and get arguably one of the best CBs in the draft at 21! Horn is going to be a strong stable presence for the Titans for a long time.
Previous Pick: Asante Samuel Jr. CB Florida State
 
22.  Jets– Should Pick: Christian Barmore DL Alabama
Barmore has a history of running hot and cold on the field but Saleh also has a history of getting through to players like this so it is an excellent fit. If Barmore’s head is on straight he could turn out to be a really great player here.
Previous Pick: Carlos Basham Jr. Edge Wake Forest
 
Will Pick: Same – this pick is a good fit for both sides. Previous Pick: Jaelan Phillips Edge Miami
 
23.  Steelers– Should Pick: Jayson Oweh Edge Rusher Penn State
Oweh is as raw as can be but the pressure to produce right away will not be there for him. He can refine his skills and learn from Watt and tap into his freakish athletic skills. Probably not more than a few sacks his rookie year but after that, he might be a beast. Still, this is a gamble. Previous Pick: Greg Newsome II CB Northwestern
 
Will Pick: Greg Newsome II CB Northwestern - Steelers are a little unpredictable in the first round going from no-brainers to brain scratching reaches so it is always hard to tell. But the Steelers are in need of a CB and not only is Newsome the best one on the board here but there is something so Steelers about him. It is unbelievable that there are this many quality cornerbacks. No Change
 
 
24.  Jaguars– Should Pick: Rashod Bateman WR Minnesota
It is tempting to take one of the Offensive Tackles here. However, the Jaguars are in a unique position to play the, “will this guys be available at 33” and likely a guy such as Alex Leatherwood (I think he is an excellent fit for the Jaguars) is going to be there at that point. Bateman will be gone. The Jaguars have plenty of deep threats but they need a reliable hands and route guy like Bateman to help their new investment. No Change
 
Will Pick: Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma State
It would be hard to argue this pick here. Cam Robinson is just okay and may be gone after this season. Jenkins can man the right side for his rookie year and fight to become the new Left Tackle next season. Not a bad pick but it might make more sense to go with a skills position here. No Change
 
25.  Browns– Should Pick: Carlos Basham Jr. Edge Wake Forest
As I said when I had the Jets taking Basham in the previous Mock Draft, not only has one of the best names ever for a Defensive End but he is a really good pass-rusher too! His issues are not linked with effort but lack of coaching. He is going to be the bull-rushing effort player that collapses the pocket with from both outside and inside along with Garrett—a very scary defense is brewing here. Previous Pick: Jayson Oweh Edge Penn State
 
Will Pick: Jamin Davis LB Kentucky
I have a feeling that Davis’ pro day is going to catapult him up further than it should. He has solid tape but I am not sure if he is going to really be able to put it all together enough to warrant this pick. Still, he would have a lot pieces around him so he does not need to be a savior. Previous Pick: Christian Barmore DT Alabama
 
26.  Ravens– Should Pick: Azeez Ojulari Edge Georgia
The Ravens need to restock the pass-rusher cabinet and the right WR (Rashod Bateman) has been taken. Ojulari is on the light side for a pass rusher and only has one season under his belt so that is why he has fallen to the bottom of the first. With that said, he is probably too productive to pass on at this point. No Change – This pick seems to make a lot of sense
 
Will Pick: Same and No Change
 
27.  Saints– Should Pick: Kadarius Toney WR
Toney is certainly raw but he has all the tools and he should be able to put it all together with a bit more coaching and having a teammate like Michael Thomas. I am not seeing the Percy Harvin comparison here. Harvin (much like the way I describe Pitts earlier) could not get away from his own ego. Toney is different than that and has more receiving skills. No Change
 
Will Pick: Asante Samuel Jr. CB Florida State
I get it, Samuel is not big but he is certainly not small. He also plays much bigger and much feistier than his size. If he falls out of the first round, he is an absolute steal. But I do not see him falling past here. Previous Pick: Elijah Moore WR Mississippi
 
28.  Packers– Should Pick: Zaven Collins LB Tulsa
No doubt or hesitation here. I love Zaven Collins and I think he is a missing piece for the Packers. Throw out anybody thinking that they need an OT or WR in the first round. Those who are familiar with the Packer’s roster know they are okay there. The Packers have shown interest (they interviewed him at least), he plays a position of need, and his upside is immense. He needs to work on things and perhaps even fill out his frame a bit more, but the poor man’s Urlacher comparison does not seem off to me.  Previous Pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB Notre Dame
 
Will Pick: Same and No Change
 
29.  Bills– Should Pick: Jaelan Phillips Edge Rusher Miami
Phillips has only fallen this far due to his injury history not his upside or production. The Bills can afford to take a chance here and reinvigorate their pass-rush long term. I am scared of Phillips long-term health but you never know, guys have defied the odds in the past and had long careers after scary injuries.Previous Pick: Gregory Rousseau Edge Miami
 
Will Pick: Carlos Basham Jr. Edge Wake Forest
Basham is going to fit the Bills like a glove. He has power, quickness, and tenacity. The Bills need a good pass-rusher in the wings and Basham will be a consistent thorn in opponent’s sides. No Change
 
30.  Chiefs– Should Pick: Samuel Cosmi OT Texas
The Chiefs have pretty much painted themselves into a corner with the head scratching moves of cutting both starting tackles to give tackle money to a guard? So they need to reload with talented Offensive Tackles. Cosmi has been rising recently and all the tools are there. He has some sloppy moments but most of those seem correctible with a good line coach. No Change
 
Will Pick: Same – The Chiefs need to get somebody at OT and Cosmi, with some coaching, could be a strong LT for a number of years. Previous Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker OT USC
 
31.  Buccaneers– Should Pick: Alim McNeill DT North Carolina State
The Buccaneers could use a young DT so bringing in a guy like McNeill who can rotate in as a rookie and learn the ropes is an absolutely perfect pick here. I really like McNeill a lot because he is a big guy that is still very athletic. No Change
 
Will Pick: Kwity Paye Edge Rusher Michigan
The Buccaneers can be patient here but in a year they are going to need a pass-rusher so they take a gamble that they can hone Paye into being a top-notch pass rusher.
Previous Pick: Kyle Trask QB Florida
I thought long and hard on this pick and Licht’s drafts have been really hit or miss. Logic would match McNeill up with the Buccaneers perfectly but I have a feeling that they are going to try to grab a guy here to be Brady’s caddie for a year and then take over. Trask needs a lot of refinement and the tools are there but I am not a believer in him personally.
 

We are almost there! Next up will be the famous (and original because others stole it from our collective unconscious) The eighth annual Andre Duarte Live Mock Draft. I will also do my usual Packer Picks and Bear Picks before draft day. I have been running through numerous scenarios to refine each of those picks. Thank you for reading!